The Nigeria Democratic Congress has condemned the obstruction of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from visiting Yelwata in Benue State, demanding an investigation into the incident.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the obstruction of its presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, from accessing Yelwata community in Benue State to visit families and victims affected by the 2025 killings in the area.
The party alleged that suspected thugs blocked Obi’s convoy on Tuesday and prevented him from proceeding to Yelwata, where more than 270 people were killed during the June 2025 attack.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC described the incident as troubling and condemnable, alleging that the group responsible was led by an aide to Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.
According to the party, Obi arrived in Benue at about 9 a.m. with the intention of visiting victims and families affected by the killings, mourning with them and offering solidarity.
The NDC said Obi’s convoy was stopped from proceeding to Yelwata by a group chanting, “Peter Obi, go back.”
“I came to Benue not for politics but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer our solidarity,” Obi was quoted as saying.
The party said Obi’s visit was humanitarian and not politically motivated, stressing that it was intended to enable him to meet affected families and hear from victims about the tragedy.
However, the Benue State Government has denied involvement in the incident and rejected allegations that it sponsored or directed the obstruction of Obi’s convoy.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, the state government described the allegations as unfounded and insisted that the administration of Governor Alia does not engage or deploy thugs as instruments of governance or security.
The incident has also generated conflicting accounts over whether relevant authorities were informed before Obi’s visit, with reports indicating that the Benue State Government and Obi’s team gave different versions of events.
The NDC said Benue residents and Nigerians deserved to live peacefully, travel safely and farm their lands without fear.
It called on the Benue State Government and relevant security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and guarantee the safety of citizens and leaders visiting communities affected by violence.
“Although access to the community was denied today, the hearts and prayers of the NDC and our Presidential Candidate remain with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community,” the party said.
The NDC added that it would continue to advocate the protection of lives and the safety of Nigerians across the country.
The obstruction of Obi’s convoy has drawn reactions from other political figures and public commentators, with calls for political tolerance and the protection of citizens’ freedom of movement.
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